Funding Available During Maternity

Putting money aside for a new baby can be very difficult, especially if you are on a low income to start with. There is, however, a little extra help at hand.

As a parent-to-be, and being on a low income, you are probably entitled to the Sure Start Maternity Grant. This grant is non-repayable and is provided to help with the costs that come with having a new baby.

The Sure Start Maternity Grant will be awarded to you if either you or your partner is in receipt of income support, income-based jobseekers allowance, pension credit, child tax credit or working tax credit.However, one of the following instances must also apply to you:

• You or your partner are pregnant and your due date is within 11 weeks, or you have given birth in the last three months.
• You have adopted or been granted a residence order for a child in the last three months
• You have been granted a parental order for a surrogate birth within the last three months
• You are receiving benefit for a dependent under 20 years old who is pregnant and their due date is within the next 11 weeks, or they gave birth within the last three months

There is a standard amount of £500 that is awarded to each person who is eligible and the payment will be made directly into their account.The good news is, that this grant doesn't affect any other benefits that you might be receiving.

The Application Process

It is very easy to apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant, you simply need to complete the SF100 claim pack which are available from your local Jobcentre.You can also download a form from the Department for Work and Pensions website, but you must return it to your local jobcentre.

The right time to apply for this form of funding is in the period from the 29th week of pregnancy until the child is three months old.If you are adopting or have been given a residence order, you have to claim within the first three months and the child must be under 12 months of age when the claim is initially made.

Appealing

There are circumstances under which you may be refused the grant, and if this is the case, then you can appeal the decision. This process begins by contacting your local jobcentre within one month of receiving the decision letter.

They will be able to provide you with an explanation of the decision and you have the chance to ask them to look again at your case.

And Finally…

When your baby is born, you will have a lot on your mind so it is best that you organise the Sure Start Maternity Grant before your new baby enters the world. Also, by sorting it out before the birth, you will receive some much needed extra financial help.

When your child is born, you will also receive a £250 voucher from the government. This is a Child Trust Fund which you should invest and add to as much as you can to save for your child's future.